Accelerating The Healing Process

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is one of several effective
wound care modalities provided at Vista Health System’s
Advanced Wound Center. It is used adjunctively with other
procedures such as revascularization, or as a primary
treatment if other options have failed.

The Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Our bodies need oxygen to promote wound healing.
Sometimes, when a wound occurs, or if a wound has been
present for a significant period of time, it may fail to heal due
to low oxygen levels around the wound. Hyperbaric Oxygen
Therapy allows a patient to breathe 100% oxygen 2-3 times
greater than atmospheric pressure and is administered on a
daily basis. The result is an increase of 10-15 times the
amount of oxygen concentration in blood plasma. This
increase translates to arterial oxygen values between 1500
and 2000 mmHg, which produces a four-fold increase in the
diffusing distance of oxygen from functioning capillaries.

Additionally, by forcing more oxygen into the tissue,
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy encourages the formation of
new blood vessels, a process known as Angiogenesis. As
these new blood vessels develop, the red blood cells start
to flow and start to deliver even more oxygen-rich nutrients
to a wound site. This creates the optimal environment for
the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged
tissues.

Approved Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications

Diabetic Wounds of the Lower Extremities

Soft Tissue Radionecrosis

Compromised Flaps and Grafts

Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis

Osteoradionecrosis

Acute Peripheral Arterial Disease

Progressive Necrotizing Infections

Crush Injuries

Acute Traumatic Peripheral Ischemia

Gas Gangrene

Acute Carbon Monoxide Intoxication

Decompression Illness/Sickness

Gas Embolism

Cyanide Poisoning

Actinomycosis

Thermal Burns

Exceptional Blood Loss Anemia

Intracranial Abscess

What Is The Therapy Like?

During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, patients relax in a
special chamber and watch television or listen to music. T he
therapy is monitored at all times by an expertly trained
technician that works in collaboration with onsite physicians.
The therapy is very safe and very easy to do; you can even
sleep during the sessions.